The following is a news release from Texas Tech University:
The Museum of Texas Tech University will host an exhibit featuring ornaments made by three West Texas women and hung in the White House during the Clinton presidency through Dec. 22.
When the White House put out a request for needle-worked ornaments for decoration during the Clinton Administration, Texans Linda Fisher, Stephani Windham and Pat Grappe answered the call.
In 1995, First Lady Hillary Clinton invited 100 women from across the nation – two from each state – to stitch a Christmas ornament that would hang on the Christmas tree in the Blue Room of the White House. The theme for the ornaments was “Christmas Stockings.” Both of Texas’s representatives Fisher and Windham, were Lubbock residents.
Another year, Grappe, of Levelland, was invited to stitch an ornament for the tree in the Blue Room during the Clinton Administration. The theme for the ornaments that year was “Things found in Santa’s Workshop” and her ornament depicts a Raggedy Ann doll.
In gratitude for their handmade creations, all three women were invited to view their ornaments at the White House.
“As is customary, the original ornaments are still at the White House, and the Museum is very honored that all three West Texas women who made the original ornaments were willing to reproduce these treasures for the Museum’s collection and our visitors’ enjoyment,” said Marian Ann J. Montgomery, curator of clothing and textiles.
The Museum of Texas Tech University is free to visit and open weekly 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The Museum is located at 3301 4th Street. For more information call (806) 742-2442.
(News release from Texas Tech University)